System and design of cost effective chassis design for networking products

ABSTRACT

An electrical equipment chassis includes a frame open to a first side and an opposite second side and a power board located near a mid-plane of the chassis coupling power supply modules to first networking modules and a second networking module. A first region open to the first side can receive first power supply modules. A second region open to the first side is adjacent to the first region and can receive the first networking modules and the second networking module oriented with a first orientation. A third region open to the second side can receive fan trays with fans and third networking modules. The third networking modules are oriented orthogonal to the first orientation. The power board at least partially separates the first and third regions and only partially separates the second and third regions. The chassis permits air flow from the first side to the second side.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to information handlingsystems, and more particularly to a chassis design relating to networkswitching products. But it would be recognized that the invention has amuch broader range of applicability.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an information handling system (IHS). An IHS generallyprocesses, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data forbusiness, personal, or other purposes. Because technology andinformation handling needs and requirements may vary between differentapplications, IHSs may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in IHSs allowfor IHSs to be general or configured for a specific user or specific usesuch as financial transaction processing, airline reservations,enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, IHSs mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

With the advent of centralized locations for storing data associatedwith network services (retail services, financial services,communication/social networking services, database services to name onlya few), network devices such as switches and routers are designed tovery quickly process and route large volumes of network traffic. Suchcentralized locations are typically referred to as data centers.

Network switching products form the interconnection backbone in datacenters. In order to support large numbers of network switchingproducts, these network switching products are often designed aroundstandard form factors and sizes. Typically these form factors and sizesare designed so that the network switching products can be rack mountedusing interchangeable slots. A common feature in the rack-mountedarrangement is a chassis. A typical chassis includes a rigid frame withone or more power supplies and one or more interchangeable slots forreceiving a corresponding one or more network switching products.Chassis have been typically designed to provide both flexibility andredundancy in network configuration and operation. By usinginterchangeable slots, the number and variety of network switchingproducts that are installed is flexible. Not only does this provide theability to swap out defective network switching products and to upgradepreviously installed network switching products, it also provides forthe ability to add additional network switching products to previouslyinstalled chassis, subject to space availability. In addition, with theadvent of hot-swappable network switching products, it is possible toreplace a network switching product while the other network switchingproducts in the system remain active and functioning.

One common type of chassis includes a backplane. The backplane istypically a fixed interconnection unit that provides connectivity androuting between the various network switching line cards are insertedinto the slots of the chassis. For example, the backplane includes acircuit board with various card edge connectors into which each of thenetwork switching products are inserted. The circuit board generallycontains an extensive bus and point-to-point wiring pattern thatinterconnects pins between the card edge connectors that allow each ofthe network switching products to communicate. In another example, thecircuit board includes power supply wiring for supplying power to eachof the network switching line cards. The use of a backplane placescertain limits on the capabilities of the chassis to support additionaland upgraded network switching products. For example, one such limit isthe number of slots (i.e., card edge connectors) provided by thebackplane, this is typically fixed in number and provides a finite upperlimit on the number of network switching capability the chassissupports. The design of card edge connectors and the backplane circuitboard can place additional limits on upgradability due to limitationsassociated with signal integrity, frequency limits, and the like.Further, the use of a monolithic backplane may interfere significantlywith cooling airflow between the front and back of the chassis. Not onlydoes the backplane design impose a high infrastructure cost, but thelimitations typically limit the effective life span of thebackplane-based chassis.

More recently, chassis design has begun to migrate away from thebackplane design to a mid-plane design. In a mid-plane design, theinterconnect circuit board is moved from the back of the chassis to nearthe center of the chassis. For example, network switching products inthe form of line cards are inserted from the front of the chassis intocard edge, or similar, connectors on the front surface of the mid-planeinterconnect circuit board. Additional network switching cards in theform of route processor modules (RPMS) or fabric cards are inserted fromthe rear of the chassis into card edge, or similar, connectors on therear surface of the mid-plane interconnect circuit board. In someexamples, the interconnect model is orthogonal in nature such that theline cards are inserted into the mid-plane interconnect circuit board ina first orientation (e.g., vertical) and the RPMs are inserted into themid-plane interconnect circuit board in a second orientation that isorthogonal to the first orientation (e.g., horizontal). As in the caseof the backplane chassis, the presence of the mid-plane interconnectcircuit board in the mid-plane chassis places the same limits on thechassis related to slot capacity, electrical signal characteristics, andinterference with cooling airflow between the front and back of thechassis.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved chassis designthat provides greater flexibility in slot capacity, increased longevitydue to ability to adapt to ever increasing electrical signalcharacteristics, and/or better support for cooling airflow through thechassis.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an electrical equipment chassis includes aframe open to a first side of the chassis and a second side of thechassis opposite the first side, the frame separating the chassis into afirst region, a second region, and a third region and a powerdistribution board located near a mid-plane of the chassis and includingone or more power module connectors for coupling one or more first powersupply modules to the power distribution board and one or more firstpower connectors for coupling one or more first networking modules and asecond networking module to the power distribution board. The firstregion is open to the first side of the chassis and is configured toreceive the one or more first power supply modules for supplying powerto the chassis. The second region is open to the first side of thechassis, is adjacent to the first region, and is configured to receivethe one or more first networking modules and the second networkingmodule. The one or more first networking modules and the secondnetworking module are oriented with a first orientation. The thirdregion is open to the second side of the chassis and is configured toreceive one or more fan trays and one or more third networking modules.The one or more third networking modules are oriented with a secondorientation orthogonal to the first orientation. The one or more fantrays each includes one or more fans. The power distribution board atleast partially separates the first region from the third region andonly partially separates the second region from the third region. Atleast one of the second networking module, the one or more fan trays, orthe one or more third networking modules adds stability to the frame.The chassis is sufficiently open to permit air flow from the first sideto the second side.

According to another embodiment, an information handling system includesone or more electrical equipment chassis. Each of the electricalequipment chassis includes a frame open to a first side of the chassisand a second side of the chassis opposite the first side, the frameseparating the chassis into a first region, a second region, and a thirdregion and a power distribution board located near a mid-plane of thechassis and including one or more power module connectors for couplingthe one or more first power supply modules to the power distributionboard and one or more first power connectors for coupling one or morefirst networking modules and a second networking module to the powerdistribution board. The first region is open to the first side of thechassis and is configured to receive the one or more first power supplymodules for supplying power to the chassis. The second region is open tothe first side of the chassis, is adjacent to the first region, and isconfigured to receive the one or more first networking modules and thesecond networking module. The one or more first networking modules andthe second networking module are oriented with a first orientation. Thethird region is open to the second side of the chassis and is configuredto receive one or more fan trays and one or more third networkingmodules. The one or more third networking modules are oriented with asecond orientation orthogonal to the first orientation. The one or morefan trays each includes one or more fans. The power distribution boardat least partially separates the first region from the third region andonly partially separates the second region from the third region. Atleast one of the second networking module, the one or more fan trays, orthe one or more third networking modules adds stability to the frame.The chassis is sufficiently open to permit air flow from the first sideto the second side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified front view diagram of an example of a chassisaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified rear view diagram of the chassis according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified cut-away side-view diagram of the chassisaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified frontal diagram of the mid-plane of thechassis according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified diagram of a first networking module accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a simplified diagram of the second networking moduleaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified front view diagram of the frame according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

In the figures, elements having the same designations have the same orsimilar functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, specific details are set forth describingsome embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,to one skilled in the art that some embodiments may be practiced withoutsome or all of these specific details. The specific embodimentsdisclosed herein are meant to be illustrative but not limiting. Oneskilled in the art may realize other elements that, although notspecifically described here, are within the scope and the spirit of thisdisclosure. In addition, to avoid unnecessary repetition, one or morefeatures shown and described in association with one embodiment may beincorporated into other embodiments unless specifically describedotherwise or if the one or more features would make an embodimentnon-functional.

For purposes of this disclosure, an IHS may include any instrumentalityor aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify,process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display,manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form ofinformation, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control,entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an IHS may be a personalcomputer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a display device ormonitor, a network server or storage device, a switch router or othernetwork communication device, or any other suitable device and may varyin size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The IHS mayinclude memory, one or more processing resources such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additionalcomponents of the IHS may include one or more storage devices, one ormore communications ports for communicating with external devices aswell as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, amouse, and a video display. The IHS may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified front view diagram of an example of a chassis100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, the chassis 100 is configured around a box like frame 110,sometimes called the hem. The frame 110 is configured to receive varioustypes of modules depending upon the desired configuration and functionof the modules inserted into the chassis 100. The frame 110 will bedescribed further below. The chassis further includes a virtualmid-plane 190 where interconnections can be made between various modulesas will be described further below.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the chassis 100 can be configured to receiveone or more first power supply modules 120 a-120 d. For example, fourfirst power supply modules 120 a-120 d are depicted, but one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that fewer or more power supply modulescan be used. Each of the one or more power supply modules 120 a-120 dare configured to supply one or more voltage levels and power to theother modules inserted into the chassis 100. For example, the one ormore power supply modules 120 a-120 d can supply 12 VDC, 54 VDC, and/orany other voltage level necessary to support the functionality of themodules inserted into the chassis 100. Also shown with the chassis 100is an optional auxiliary power shelf 130. The auxiliary power shelf 130provides the capability to add an additional one or more auxiliary powersupply modules 135 a-135 d to the chassis 100. In some embodiments, theone or more auxiliary power supply modules 135 a-135 d can provide extrapower capabilities to the other modules inserted into the chassis 100.According to some embodiments, the one or more auxiliary power supplymodules 135 a-135 d can provide power to additional devices that areconnected into the modules. In some embodiments, the one or moreauxiliary power supply modules 135 a-135 d can provide 54 VDC to supportPower over Ethernet.

FIG. 1 further shows that one or more first networking modules 140 a-140n can be inserted into chassis 100. The one or more first networkingmodules 140 a-140 n can include one or more line card modules and/or oneor more service modules. The number of first networking modules 140a-140 n depends on a width of each of the first networking modules 140a-140 n and a width of the chassis 100. The number of first networkingmodules 140 a-140 n also depends on the number of first networkingmodules 140 a-140 n to fulfill the networking switching capabilities. Itis not required that all of the one or more first networking modules 140a-140 n be installed in a single chassis 100, or that chassis 100 becompletely filled.

According to some embodiments, a second networking module 150 can beinserted into chassis 100. For example, the second networking module 150can be a network uplink module. As shown in FIG. 1, the secondnetworking module 150 can be affixed to the chassis 100 using one ormore fasteners 155. The one or more fasteners 155 can be configured toaffix the second networking module 150 to the frame 110. For example,the one or more fasteners 155 can be knurled screws. By affixing thesecond networking module 150 to the frame 110, the second networkingmodule 150 can be configured to add structural stability to the frame110. The second networking module 150 can typically be inserted into thechassis 100 near the horizontal mid-point of the chassis 100, althoughsecond networking module 150 can be inserted in any position on thechassis 100.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 1 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. According to some embodiments, the modules insertedinto the chassis 100 could be inserted with different configurations andorientations. A chassis according to some embodiments may accommodatethe one or more power supply modules 120 a-120 d inserted in a verticalorientation. The chassis may accommodate the one or more auxiliary powersupply modules 135 a-135 d inserted in a vertical orientation. In someembodiments, the chassis may be configured so that the one or more powersupply modules 120 a-120 d and the auxiliary power shelf 130 can bemounted on the bottom of the chassis 100. In some embodiments, thechassis may accommodate the one or more first networking modules 140a-140 n inserted in a horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, morethan one second networking module 150 may be inserted into the chassis100.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified rear view diagram of the chassis 100 accordingto some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, thechassis 100 and the frame 110 are configured to receive one or morethird networking modules 210. In some embodiments, each of the one ormore third networking modules includes route processing modules (RPMs).Each of the one or more third networking modules 210 can typically beinserted into the chassis 100 in an orientation that is orthogonal tothe one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n and the secondnetworking module 150. Each of the one or more third networking modules210 may optionally be affixed to the rear of the frame 110 using one ormore fasteners. The one or more fasteners can be knurled screws. Byaffixing the one or more third networking modules 210 to the frame 110,the one or more third networking modules 210 can be configured to addstructural stability to the frame 110.

As additionally shown in FIG. 2, one or more optional first terminalblocks or connectors 220 can be provided for making external connectionto the voltages provided by the one or more first power supply modules120 a-120 d. Also provided are one or more optional auxiliary terminalblocks or connectors 230 on the rear of the auxiliary power shelf 130for making external connection to the voltages provided by the one ormore auxiliary power supply modules 135 a-135 d.

One or more fan trays 240 can also be mounted to the rear of the chassis100. Each of the one or more fan trays 240 includes one or more fanmodules 245. Each of the one or more fan trays 240 can typically bemounted at a height above a corresponding one of the one or more thirdnetworking modules 210. Each of the one or more fan trays 240 canfurther be configured to provide cooling air flow across thecorresponding one or more third networking modules 210 as will bedescribed further below. Each of the one or more fan trays 240 may bemounted so as to extend beyond the back of the chassis 100. Each of theone or more fan trays 240 may be affixed to the rear of the frame 110using one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners can be knurledscrews. By affixing the one or more fan trays 240 to the frame 110, theone or more fan trays 240 can be configured to add structural stabilityto the frame 110.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified cut-away side-view diagram of the chassis 100according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG.3, the front 301 of the chassis 100 is depicted to the left of thefigure and the rear 302 of the chassis 100 is depicted to the right ofthe figure. The one or more power supply modules 120 a-120 d, as furtherdescribed with respect to FIG. 1, can be inserted into the chassis 100at the top front. Each of the one or more power supply modules 120 a-120d can include a power supply connector 320 a-320 d, which is typicallylocated at the rear of the corresponding one or more power supplymodules 120 a-120 d. Each power supply connector 320 a-320 d can becoupled to a corresponding power module connector 321 a-321 d mounted ona power distribution board 310. The power distribution board may locatedat or near the mid-plane 190 of the chassis 100 so that the powerdistribution board 310 is located nearer to the mid-plane 190 of thechassis than to the front 301 or rear 302 of the chassis. The couplingbetween the power supply connectors 320 a-320 d and the power moduleconnectors 321 a-321 d can provide power to the power distribution board310.

Inserted into the front 301 of the chassis 100 are the various one ormore first networking modules 140 a-140 n and second networking module150. Each of the one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n caninclude a first power distribution connector 330 a-330 n, an optionalsecond power distribution connector 340 a-340 n, a first communicationconnector 360 a-360 n, and a second communication connector 365 a-365 n,each typically located at the rear of the corresponding one or morefirst networking modules 140 a-140 n. Each first power distributionconnector 330 a-330 n can be coupled to a corresponding third powerdistribution connector 331 a-331 n mounted on the power distributionboard 310. Each second power distribution connector 340 a-340 n can becoupled to a corresponding fourth power distribution connector 341 a-341n mounted on the power distribution board 310. The coupling between thefirst power distribution connectors 330 a-330 n and the third powerdistribution connectors 331 a-331 n can provide power to the one or morefirst networking modules 140 a-140 n. The coupling between the secondpower distribution connectors 340 a-340 n and the fourth powerdistribution connectors 341 a-341 n may also provide power to the one ormore first networking modules 140 a-140 n. Each first communicationconnector 360 a-360 n can be coupled to a corresponding thirdcommunication connector 361 a-361 n, which can be located at the frontof a first one of the third networking modules 210. The coupling betweeneach of the first communication connectors 360 a-360 n and thecorresponding third communication connector 361 a-361 n permitscommunication and network traffic to pass between the one or more firstnetworking modules 140 a-140 n and the first one of the third networkingmodules 210. Each second communication connector 365 a-365 n can becoupled to a corresponding fourth communication connector 366 a-366 n,which can be located at the front of a second one of the thirdnetworking modules 210. The coupling between each of the secondcommunication connectors 365 a-365 n and the corresponding fourthcommunication connector 366 a-366 n permits communication and networktraffic to pass between the one or more first networking modules 140a-140 n and the second one of the third networking modules 210.

The second networking module 150 can include a fifth power distributionconnector 350, an optional sixth power distribution connector 355, afifth communication connector 370, and a sixth communication connector375, each typically located at the rear of the second networking module150. The fifth power distribution connector 350 can be coupled to acorresponding seventh power distribution connector 351 mounted on thepower distribution board 310. The sixth power distribution connector 355can be coupled to a corresponding eighth power distribution connector356 mounted on the power distribution board 310. The coupling betweenthe fifth power distribution connector 350 and the seventh powerdistribution connector 351 can provide power to the second networkingmodule 150. The coupling between the sixth power distribution connector355 and the eighth power distribution connector 356 may also providepower to the second networking module 150. The fifth communicationconnector 370 can be coupled to a corresponding seventh communicationconnector 371, which can be located at the front of the first one of thethird networking modules 210. The coupling between the fifthcommunication connector 370 and the seventh communication connector 371permits communication and network traffic to pass between the secondnetworking module 150 and the first one of the third networking modules210. Each sixth communication connector 375 can be coupled to acorresponding eighth communication connector 376, which can be locatedat the front of the second one of the third networking modules 210. Thecoupling between each of the sixth communication connector 375 and theeighth communication connector 376 permits communication and networktraffic to pass between the second networking module 150 and the secondone of the third networking modules 210.

Because communications between the one or more first networking modules140 a-140 n and the one or more third networking modules 210 as well asthe communications between the second networking module 150 and the oneor more third networking modules 210 are made locally using connectors(e.g., the connectors 360 a-360 n to 361 a-361 n, 365 a-365 n to 366a-366 n, 370 to 371, and/or 375 to 376) the chassis 100 does not imposeany electrical limitations on those communications. Further, the numberand spacing of the connectors is based merely on the configuration ofthe power distribution board 310 and the third networking modules 210making it possible for the chassis 100 to use first networking modules140 a-140 n and the second networking module 150 of varying widths.Thus, the chassis 100 is usable for multiple generations of networkingconfigurations.

Also inserted at the rear of the chassis 100 are the one or more fantrays 240 as further described with respect to FIG. 2. As noted in FIG.2 and further emphasized here, the one or more fan trays 240 optionallyextend beyond the back of the chassis 100. Each of the one or more fantrays 240 includes one or more fan modules 245. As shown in FIG. 3, eachof the one or more fan modules 245 can include a first fan 380 and anoptional second fan 385. The use of both the first fan 380 and thesecond fan 385 can serve multiple purposes. The presence of the optionalsecond fan 385 can provide for more air flow through the chassis 100 andthus better cooling capability. Additionally, the second fan 385 canprovide redundancy in case of failure of either the first fan 380 or thesecond fan 385. The chassis 100 also further includes one or moreoptional third fans 390 located near the mid-plane 190 of the chassis100. The one or more third fans 390 can help direct air flow from thefront portion of the chassis 100 toward the rear portion of the chassis100. The one or more fan trays 240 and the one or more third fans 390are typically mounted above a corresponding one of the one or more thirdnetworking modules 210.

The chassis 100 may also include one or more baffles 395 to help directair flow across a surface of each of the one or more third networkingmodules 210. In combination with ventilation holes located on the frontof the one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n and the secondnetworking module 150 (as discussed below), air flow can typically bedirected from the front 301 of the chassis 100 to the rear 302 of thechassis 100. The general direction of air flow is depicted in FIG. 3using dashed arrows. This configuration is consistent with data centerpractice of providing cooling air flow from the front of equipmenttoward the rear of equipment.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 3 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. According to some embodiments, the power distributionboard 310 may further include one or more auxiliary connectors forcoupling the one or more auxiliary power supply modules 135 a-135 d tothe power distribution board 310.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified frontal diagram of the mid-plane 190 of thechassis 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 4, at the mid-plane 190 of the chassis 100 variousconnection mechanisms are provided for distributing power to the one ormore first networking modules 140 a-140 n, the second networking module150, and the one or more third networking modules 210 and forinterconnecting the one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n andthe second networking module 150 to the one or more third networkingmodules 210. At the upper portion of the chassis 100, the powerdistribution board 310 provides power connections between the one ormore first power supply modules 120 a-120 d and the one or more firstnetworking modules 140 a-140 n and the second networking module 150. Theone or more power module connectors 321 a-321 d can be mounted on thepower distribution board 310.

FIG. 4 also depicts that the power distribution board 310 extends belowa first region 410 corresponding to the one or more first power supplymodules 120 a-120 d and into a second region 420 corresponding to theone or more first network modules 140 a-140 d and the second networkmodule 150. The one or more third power distribution connectors 331a-331 n and the one or more optional fourth power distributionconnectors 341 a-341 n can be mounted on the power distribution board310 in the second region 420. Additionally, the seventh powerdistribution connector 351 and the eighth power distribution connector356 can be mounted on the power distribution board 310 in the secondregion 420.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is the array of third communication connectors 361a-361 n and second communication connectors 366 a-366 n. Each of thethird communication connectors 361 a-361 n can be mounted on the frontof a first one of the third networking modules 210. Each of the fourthcommunication connectors 366 a-366 n can be mounted on the front of asecond one of the third networking modules 210. Also shown are theseventh communication connector 371 and the eighth communicationconnector 376 mounted on the front of the first one of the thirdnetworking modules 210 and the front of the second one of the thirdnetworking modules 210, respectively. Further, the number and spacing ofthe power distribution and communication connectors (e.g., theconnectors 331 a-331 n, 351, 341 a-341 a, 356, 361 a-361 n, 371, 366a-366 n, and/or 376) can be based merely on the configuration of thepower distribution board 310 and the third networking modules 210 makingit possible for the chassis 100 to use first networking modules 140a-140 n and the second networking module 150 of varying widths. Thus,the chassis 100 is usable for multiple generations of networkingconfigurations.

Although not depicted in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 also shows one or moreinterconnect boards 430. Each of the one or more interconnect boards 430can be configured to distribute power from the power distribution board310 to the first one of the third networking modules 210 and the secondone of the third networking modules 210 and/or to provide one or morecommunication paths between the first one of the third networkingmodules 210 and the second one of the third networking modules 210.Located on the rear face of the one or more interconnect boards 430 areone or more connectors 440 that can be configured to receivecorresponding connectors mounted at the front of the first one of thesecond networking modules 210 and the second one of the third networkingmodules 210. In some embodiments, the one or more interconnect boards430 may be extensions to the power distribution board 310. In otherembodiments, the one or more interconnect boards 430 may be connected toeither the front or the rear of the power distribution board 310 usingcorresponding connectors.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified diagram of a first networking module 500according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, the first networking module 500 is representative of anyone of the one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n. As shown inFIG. 5, the first networking module 500 can typically be enclosed onfive sides by a rigid or semi-rigid first networking module housing 510.The first networking module housing 510 may enclose the front, top,bottom, and two sides of the first networking module 500 with the rearbeing left open to allow connections to a corresponding one of the oneor more first power distribution connectors 330 a-330 n, a correspondingone of the one or more second power distribution connectors 340 a-340 n,a corresponding one of the one or more first communication connectors360 a-360 n, and a corresponding one of the one or more secondcommunication connectors 365 a-365 n. In some embodiments, thecorresponding one of the one or more second power distributionconnectors 340 a-340 n may be optional.

The first networking module housing 510 typically includes a metal. Themetal includes one or more selected from a group consisting of sheetmetal, aluminum, steel, and the like. One or more electromagneticinterference (EMI) gaskets 520 can be mounted to the outside of thefirst networking module housing 510. The one or more EMI gaskets 520 canbe configured to provide additional EMI shielding to the gaps betweenthe first networking module 500 and adjacent modules or the chassisframe 110. One or more optional module alignment elements 530 can alsobe mounted to the outside of the first networking module housing 510.The one or more module alignment elements 530 can be configured toprovide keying so that the first networking module 500 may only beinstalled into the chassis 100 with a proper positioning andorientation.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the front of the first networking module 500can include an array of network connectors 540. The array of networkconnectors 540 can be selected based on the number and type of networkconnections that are desired for connecting to external devices. Thefirst networking module housing 510 may further include an array ofventilation holes 550 on its front face. The ventilation holes 550permit the flow of air into the chassis 100 and across the interior ofthe first networking module 500.

FIG. 6 shows a simplified diagram of the second networking module 150according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG.6, the second networking module 150 can typically be enclosed on fivesides by a rigid or semi-rigid second networking module housing 610. Thesecond networking module housing 610 may enclose the front, top, bottom,and two sides of the second networking module 150 with the rear beingleft open to allow connections to the fifth power distribution connector350, the sixth power distribution connector 355, the fifth communicationconnector 370, and the sixth communication connector 375. In someembodiments, the fourth power distribution connector 355 may beoptional.

The second networking module housing 610 typically includes a metal. Themetal includes one or more selected from a group consisting of sheetmetal, aluminum, steel, and the like. One or more EMI gaskets 620 can bemounted to the outside of the second networking module housing 610. Theone or more EMI gaskets 620 can be configured to provide additional EMIshielding to the gaps between the second networking module 150 andadjacent modules or the chassis frame 110. One or more optional modulealignment elements 630 can also be mounted to the outside of the secondnetworking module housing 610. The one or more module alignment elements630 can be configured to provide keying so that the second networkingmodule 150 can only be installed into the chassis 100 with a properpositioning and orientation. The second networking module 150 mayfurther include one or more mounting flanges 660. The mounting flanges660 can typically include a mounting hole 665. The one or more mountingflanges 660 and their corresponding mounting holes 665 may be used toaffix the second network module 150 to the frame 110 as furtherdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the front of the second networking module150 can include an array of network connectors 640. The array of networkconnectors 640 can be selected based on the number and type of networkconnections that are desired for connecting external devices. The secondnetworking module housing 610 may further include an optional array ofventilation holes 650 on its front face. The ventilation holes 650permit the flow of air into the chassis 100 and across the interior ofthe second networking module 150.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified front view diagram of the frame 110 accordingto some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, theframe 110 can divide the interior of the chassis 100 into severalregions. The frame 110 can typically include a metal. The metal includesone or more selected from a group consisting of sheet metal, aluminum,steel, and the like. Because the second networking module 150, the oneor more fan trays 240 and/or the one or more third networking modules210 can be affixed to the frame 110 and configured to provide stabilityto the frame 110, the frame 110 can use less material than aconventional chassis frame. This reduces the manufacturing cost of theframe 110 relative to a conventional chassis frame.

A power supply region 710 can typically be located at the top of thechassis 100 and can be configured to receive one or more first powersupply modules 120 a-120 d. The frame 110 in the power supply region 710may also include one or more power supply guides 720. Each of the one ormore power supply guides 720 can be configured to aid in the positioningand alignment of the one or more first power supply modules 120 a-120 d.In some embodiments, the one or more power supply guides 720 may bepositioned between each of the one or more first power supply modules120 a-120 d. In some embodiments, the one or more power supply guides720 may be positioned to align with one or more alignment elementslocated on the exterior of the one or more first power supply modules120 a-120 d.

FIG. 7 also shows a networking module region 730 in the frame 110 thatcan located below the power supply region 710. The networking moduleregion 730 can be configured to receive the one or more first networkingmodules 140 a-140 n and the second networking module 150. The frame 110in the networking module region 730 may also include one or morenetworking module guides 740. Each of the one or more networking moduleguides 740 can be configured to aid in the positioning and alignment ofthe one or more first networking modules 140 a-140 n and optionally thesecond networking module 150. In some embodiments, the one or morenetworking module guides 740 may be positioned between each of the oneor more first networking modules 140 a-140 n and optionally between thesecond networking module 150 and the adjacent first networking modules140 a-140 n. In some embodiments, the one or more networking moduleguides 740 may be positioned to align with one or more alignmentelements 530 located on the exterior of the respective first networkingmodule housing 510. In some embodiments, the one or more networkingmodule guides 740 may be optionally positioned to align with one or morealignment elements 630 located on the exterior of the second networkingmodule housing 610.

Also shown in FIG. 7 are one or more mounting tabs 750. Each of the oneor more mounting tabs 750 can include a mounting hole 760. The one ormore mounting tabs 750 and their corresponding mounting holes 760 can beconfigured to align with the one or more mounting flanges 660 andcorresponding mounting holes 665 of the second networking module asfurther described with respect to FIG. 6. The second networking module150 may be affixed to the frame 110 using one or more fasteners incombination with the one or more mounting tabs 750 and the one or moremounting flanges 660 as further described with respect to FIG. 1.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 7 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. According to some embodiments, the frame 110 may alsoinclude rack mounting flanges around the outside front edges of theframe 110 and which can be configured to mount the chassis 100 to anequipment rack.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications. Thus, the scope of theinvention should be limited only by the following claims, and it isappropriate that the claims be construed broadly and in a mannerconsistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical equipment chassis, the chassiscomprising: a frame open to a first side of the chassis and a secondside of the chassis opposite the first side, the frame separating thechassis into a first region, a second region, and a third region; thefirst region being open to the first side of the chassis and configuredto receive one or more first power supply modules for supplying power tothe chassis; the second region being open to the first side of thechassis, adjacent to the first region, and configured to receive one ormore first networking modules and a second networking module, the one ormore first networking modules and the second networking module beingoriented with a first orientation; the third region being open to thesecond side of the chassis and configured to receive one or more fantrays and one or more third networking modules, the one or more thirdnetworking modules being oriented with a second orientation orthogonalto the first orientation; and a power distribution board located near amid-plane of the chassis and including one or more power moduleconnectors for coupling the one or more first power supply modules tothe power distribution board and one or more first power connectors forcoupling the one or more first networking modules and the secondnetworking module to the power distribution board; wherein: the one ormore fan trays each includes one or more fans; the power distributionboard at least partially separates the first region from the thirdregion and only partially separates the second region from the thirdregion; at least one of the second networking module, the one or morefan trays, or the one or more third networking modules adds stability tothe frame; and the chassis is sufficiently open to permit air flow fromthe first side to the second side.
 2. The chassis of claim 1 wherein:each of the one or more first networking modules is coupled to each ofthe third networking modules near the mid-plane of the chassis using oneor more first connectors; and the second networking module is coupled toeach of the third networking modules near the mid-plane of the chassisusing one or more second connectors.
 3. The chassis of claim 1 whereinat least one of the second networking module, the one or more fan trays,or the one or more third networking modules are configured to be affixedto the frame.
 4. The chassis of claim 1 wherein the one or more firstnetworking modules includes one or more line cards or one or moreservice modules.
 5. The chassis of claim 1 wherein the second networkingmodule includes an uplink module.
 6. The chassis of claim 1 wherein theone or more third networking modules include one or more routeprocessing modules.
 7. The chassis of claim 1, and further comprising anauxiliary power shelf configured to receive one or more auxiliary powermodules.
 8. The chassis of claim 1, and further comprising one or moreinterconnect boards configured to: couple the power distribution boardto the one or more third networking modules; and couple at least a firstone of the one or more third networking modules to a second one of theone or more third networking modules.
 9. The chassis of claim 1 whereinthe one or more fan trays each includes a first row of fans positionedto the outside of a second row of fans.
 10. The chassis of claim 1wherein the one or more fan trays are configured to extend beyond thesecond side of the chassis.
 11. The chassis of claim 1, and furtherincluding one or more additional fans located near the mid-plane of thechassis.
 12. The chassis of claim 1 wherein the frame includes at leastone selected from a group consisting of power supply guides in the firstregion and module alignment guides in the second region.
 13. The chassisof claim 1, and further comprising one or more air baffles.
 14. Thechassis of claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more firstnetworking modules includes an electromagnetic interference gasket. 15.The chassis of claim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more firstnetworking modules includes an alignment element.
 16. The chassis ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the one or more first networking modulesincludes an array of ventilation holes open to the first side of thechassis.
 17. The chassis of claim 1 wherein the second networking moduleincludes an electromagnetic interference gasket.
 18. The chassis ofclaim 1 wherein the second networking module includes an alignmentelement.
 19. The chassis of claim 1 wherein the second networking moduleincludes an array of ventilation holes open to the first side of thechassis.
 20. An information handling system comprising: one or moreelectrical equipment chassis, each chassis including: a frame open to afirst side of the chassis and a second side of the chassis opposite thefirst side, the frame separating the chassis into a first region, asecond region, and a third region; the first region being open to thefirst side of the chassis and configured to receive one or more firstpower supply modules for supplying power to the chassis; the secondregion being open to the first side of the chassis, adjacent to thefirst region, and configured to receive one or more first networkingmodules and a second networking module, the one or more first networkingmodules and the second networking module being oriented with a firstorientation; the third region being open to the second side of thechassis and configured to receive one or more fan trays and one or morethird networking modules, the one or more third networking modules beingoriented with a second orientation orthogonal to the first orientation;and a power distribution board located near a mid-plane of the chassisand including one or more power module connectors for coupling the oneor more first power supply modules to the power distribution board andone or more first power connectors for coupling the one or more firstnetworking modules and the second networking module to the powerdistribution board; wherein: the one or more fan trays each includes oneor more fans; the power distribution board at least partially separatesthe first region from the third region and only partially separates thesecond region from the third region; at least one of the secondnetworking module, the one or more fan trays, or the one or more thirdnetworking modules adds stability to the frame; and the chassis issufficiently open to permit air flow from the first side to the secondside.